Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions by Music Referral Service customers.

If you don't find an answer to your question below, or if you would like more information on any of these topics, don't hesitate to be in touch with us at mrs@necmusic.edu or 617-585-1170.

How do I request a musician?

To get started, simply fill out our online request form, which can be found here.

Upon receiving your request, we will select the appropriate artist(s) and put the soloist or ensemble leader directly in contact with you. This allows you to freely discuss all necessary details such as repertoire, specific timing, travel arrangements, and artist fee.

Please note: as the MRS is an office of a music school, and our students do not always know their schedules and opportunities beyond the school year, we cannot accept requests for performance dates more than six months in advance.

What kind of musicians can I hire?

We have a wide range of musicians that work with the Music Referral Service, including classical string quartets, jazz combos, vocalists, bluegrass and swing bands, just to name a few. If this is your first time hiring musicians for an event, our knowledgeable staff will walk you through a menu of options and recommend just the right ensemble for you. If you know exactly what you’re looking for, that’s great too—we’ll quickly connect you with one of our stellar musicians so that you can get the planning underway.

How do I know the performer(s) you refer will be right for me?

The musicians at NEC are among the best in the country; just ask some of our happy customers. Our staff will work closely with you to find the best musician for your event. We know our giggers well and are excited to introduce them to you.

I really want a string quartet to play "Don’t Stop Believin’" at my wedding. Is this possible?

Sure! Our musicians are multi-faceted and very flexible—once a musician has been referred, you can be in touch directly to work on a repertoire list that’s just right for your event.

I have no idea what songs or repertoire I want the ensemble to play. Can the musicians help me figure this out?

Absolutely, that’s what they are here for! Our musicians can help suggest standard repertoire for weddings, holiday parties, corporate events, and more.

What is the cost?

The Music Referral Service does not set fees; we encourage each artist/ensemble to negotiate fees as part of career training. However, fees generally are $125 per musician per hour, plus travel expenses. The standard rate for harpists is $300 for up to two hours, negotiable thereafter. (This fee includes the cost of transporting the harp, which is paid by the musician).